Tell DVLA about the death
GOV.UK points you to the Tell Us Once service where it is available. If it is not, write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB with your relationship to the person, the date of death, and their name, address and date of birth (and their driving licence if you have it). You do not need to send a death certificate.
Scrapping is a separate notification
Telling DVLA about a death does not tell it the car has been scrapped. Once the car goes to an ATF, tell DVLA that too, as for any scrapped car: online with the V5C's 11-digit reference number, or by post.
Private number plates
GOV.UK says a personalised registration number must be dealt with before the vehicle is sold. If the car carries one, sort that out with DVLA first, or it goes with the car.
What the yard will ask for
Expect to be asked for your ID, the V5C if it can be found, and how you are connected to the person's estate. Those are a yard's requirements, not a DVLA rule, and the person dealing with the estate (usually the executor) is normally the right person to hand over the car. If you are unsure, ask the estate's solicitor.
Call us on 07722 935042 before booking and we will tell you what we need for your situation.
Insurance and tax
Keep the car insured until it has left your possession. Once DVLA has been told it has been scrapped, any full months of vehicle tax left are refunded.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a death certificate to tell DVLA?
No. GOV.UK says you do not need to send a death certificate when you write to DVLA about a death.
Can I scrap a car that is still in the deceased person's name?
Usually the person dealing with the estate can. A yard will want to see your ID and how you are connected to the estate, so call before booking.
What about a private number plate?
GOV.UK says to deal with a personalised registration before selling the vehicle. Contact DVLA first if you want to keep it.
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